Bicycle riding apparel

ABSTRACT

A cycling jersey is described that includes a front panel, a back panel, symmetrical sleeve panels and a pair of non-stretching portions. The back panel is coupled to portions of the front panel. The symmetrical sleeve panels are coupled to respective portions of the front and back panels. Each sleeve panel defines a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions are fixed to respective sleeve panels. The non-stretching portions extend from the front panel toward the back panel and at least partially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respective materials having a first level of elasticity. The non-stretching portions have a second level of elasticity. The first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle riding apparel. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a cycling jersey withnon-stretching portions provided in shoulder covering areas of thecycling jersey.

2. Background Information

Cycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, cycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether abicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle as well as the apparel worn by casual cyclists and seriouscycling enthusiasts alike.

Cycling apparel, such cycling jerseys are well known. Cycling jerseysare typically worn by cyclists when riding in both amateur andprofessional competitions, such as a road race or an off-road mountaintrail course race. Many conventional cycling jerseys are produced withdesigns that include raglan sleeves. Such jerseys include a sleeve panelthat extends from the neck of the cyclist towards the wrist covering atleast a portion of the top of the shoulder of the cyclist. Such a jerseyis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,877.

The conventional jersey is constructed with a front panel and a backpanel that extend upward to just below the shoulders of the cyclist. Thefront and back panels are configured with smooth curved lines that joinwith a pair of left and right sleeve panels that are positioned to coverthe top of the shoulders on both sides of the torso of the cyclist. Eachof the sleeve panels is formed with a sleeve edge, a neck portion, apair of sleeve forming portions and a pair of suture portions.

Such cycling jerseys are typically made of a flexible, stretchablematerial or fabric. When the rider wears a bag or backpack, the cyclingjersey stretches and wrinkles in the area around the shoulders. Suchstretching can cause discomfort for the cyclist and increases wind orair resistance.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved cyclingjersey that reduces or eliminates the formation of wrinkles or rucks inthe area of the shoulders in order to improve wind resistancecharacteristics of the jersey and to improve the comfort of the cyclist.This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs,which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide cycling jersey apparelwith specific areas where the fabric is prevented from stretching.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the comfort levelof a cyclist wearing cycling jersey with the cyclist carrying a backpackor small bag over the shoulder or shoulders.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cycling jerseyincludes a front panel, a back panel, a pair of symmetrical sleevepanels and a pair of non-stretching portions. The back panel is coupledto portions of the front panel. The symmetrical sleeve panels arecoupled to respective portions of the front panel and the back panel,each sleeve panel defining at least a portion of a shoulder coveringarea of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions includes onenon-stretching portion for a right side of the cycling jersey and onenon-stretching portion for a left side of the cycling jersey. Thenon-stretching portions are fixed to at least the sleeve panels. Furthereach of the non-stretching portions extends in a direction generallyfrom the front panel toward the back panel and extending at leastpartially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. Aswell, the front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formedof respective materials having a first level of elasticity. Thenon-stretching portions have a second level of elasticity. The firstlevel of elasticity is elastic, while the second level of elasticity isgenerally non-elastic.

The bicycle jersey of the present invention provides a greater level ofcomfort to the cyclist and reduced air resistance because of theinclusion of the non-stretching portions. Since the non-stretchingportions extend to the top of the shoulder covering area of the cyclingjersey, the fabric around the non-stretching portions does not stretchwhen a backpack or bag is worn. Since the fabric does not stretch,wrinkles and rucks are less likely to form, thereby reducing airresistance.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, thenon-stretching portions are stitching seams that fix respective portionsof the sleeve panels to the respective portions of the front panel.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thenon-stretching portions are non-stretching panels fixed to andoverlaying portions of respective of ones of the sleeve panels.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thenon-stretching portions are non-stretching panels having first andsecond sides. The first side of the non-stretching panels is fixed torespective portions of the sleeve panels. The second side of thenon-stretching panels is fixed to respective portions of the frontpanel.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jerseyin accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back side diagrammatic perspective view of the cyclingjersey depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cutfabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jerseydepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one piece of the cut fabric shown in FIG.3, the panel of the cut fabric corresponding to a right side sleevepanel of the cycling jersey, in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bicycle and a cyclist with thecyclist in a riding posture wearing the cycling jersey in accordancewith the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jerseyin accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jerseyin accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cutfabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jerseydepicted in FIG. 8, in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with thethird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cyclingjersey in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cutfabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jerseydepicted in FIG. 11, in accordance with the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cyclingjersey in accordance with fifth and sixth embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with thefifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cyclingjersey in accordance with seventh and eighth embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained withreference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a cycling jersey 10 is illustrated inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The cyclingjersey 10 includes non-stretching portions 12 that extend over shouldercovering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10.

In the description below, the terms “inward” and “outward”, “upper” and“lower” are with reference to general locations on the cycling jersey 10relative to a torso T of a cyclist C (see FIG. 5). For instance, anupper area or direction would correspond to the upper portion of thetorso T toward the neck area of the cyclist C. An inward area or inwarddirection would generally correspond to the center of the chest orcenter of the back of the torso T. An outward area or direction wouldcorrespond to the sides of the torso T or in the direction away from thesides of the torso T. The shoulder covering areas 14 of the cyclingjersey 10 correspond to those portions of the cycling jersey 10 thatcover at least the top of shoulders of the cyclist C. Optionally,shoulder covering areas 14 can also include areas immediately around thetops of the shoulders of the cyclist C. It should further be understoodthat the terms sutures and stitching are used interchangeably and areconventional terms known in textile and garment related arts.

One of the features of the cycling jersey 10 of the first embodiment ofthe present invention is its shape, which is dimensioned to conform tothe shape of a cyclist C in a riding posture. For example, FIG. 5 showsthe cyclist C in the riding posture, leaning forward on a bicycle 50with upper arms 53 extending downward relative to the bicycle (forwardrelative to the cycling jersey 10), as the cyclist's forearms 54 extendforward to grip the handlebar 51 of the bicycle 50. As is describedbelow, various panels are sutured together to form the cycling jersey 10of the present invention. These panels are geometrically shaped to mimicand conform the riding posture of the cyclist C in an unstretched state,as is described in greater detail below. The cycling jersey 10 isprovided with the non-stretching portions 12 that extend over theshoulder covering areas 14 to limit stretching of the shoulder coveringareas 14 when the cyclist C carries a backpack or rucksack (not shown)over one or both of the shoulder covering areas 14. Further each of thenon-stretching portions 12 extend in a direction generally from a frontportion 20 toward a back panel 23 and extend at least partially to andpossibly over the shoulder covering area 14 of the cycling jersey 10.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cycling jersey 10 in one embodiment of the presentinvention is a type of sports apparel that the cyclist C wears primarilywhen riding the bicycle 50 either for exercise or for racing, such asroad racing or a mountain bicycle racing. The cycling jersey 10 includessymmetrical left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 that extend fromopposite sides of the neck area of the cyclist C and over the shouldersof the cyclist. Each of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 alsoincludes raglan sleeves that are short sleeves in the depictedembodiment, and has a placket in a front portion thereof. Further, asshow in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 arecut and fitted so that the shape and contour of the sleeves of thecycling jersey 10 mimic the relative position of a cyclists arms whenthe cyclist C is in a riding posture holding handlebars of a bicycle, asis described in greater detail below.

The cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 is shown in anunstretched state. More specifically, the shape of the cycling jersey 10shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an unmolested state in that the fabric isneither stretched nor is the fabric wrinkled or folded in any way. Theorientation of the cycling jersey 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a desiredcontour, where the sleeves are extending forward and outward the portionof the cycling jersey 10 that covers the torso T of the cyclist C.

The cycling jersey 10 basically includes a front panel 20, a back panel23, the above mentioned pair of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and25, a pair of the left and right side panels 26 and 27, a pair of bottomsleeves panels 28 and 29 and a neck panel 30. The front panel 20 issplit into two smaller panels, a left front panel 21 and a right frontpanel 22 that are symmetrically shaped being mirror images of oneanother thereby forming the front panel 20.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right side panels 26 and 27are positioned between respective portions of the left and right frontpanels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23. Further, the bottom sleevespanels 28 and 29 are positioned at a lower portion of respective ones ofthe left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25. The various panels of thecycling jersey 10 are joined together by sutures (i.e. garment sewingsutures).

At a lower portion of the back panel 23, a pocket 31 is formed forcarrying items such as a water bottle. Further, the front panels 21 and22 are each attached to respective portions of a mechanical zipper 32that allows joining and separation of the front panels 21 and 22.

The individual panels of the cycling jersey 10 are now describedindividually with specific reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows each of theseparate panels that are sutured together to form the cycling jersey 10in a layout corresponding to cutouts from fabric. The panels of thecycling jersey 10 can be cut from any of a variety of fabric orfabric-like materials, such as a polyester material, that includes amesh configuration that is able to breathe or vent moisture. The panelsof the cycling jersey 10 are preferably cut out using a pre-configuredpattern such that the panels shown in FIG. 3 are obtained. The panels ofthe cycling jersey 10 shown in FIG. 3 are laid out such that an outwardside of the cut material is shown. Specifically, the panels of thecycling jersey 10 depicted in FIG. 3 subsequently form the outer side ofthe garment. It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the additional flaps of material around the periphery of each panelof the cycling jersey 10 and the corresponding line spaced slightlyapart from the periphery of each panel represents a suture line, a foldline or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10 arejoined. More specifically, the lines spaced slightly apart from theperiphery of each panel represent preferred locations of seams betweenadjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10.

As shown in the lower right in FIG. 3, the left and right front panels21 and 22 are symmetrically shaped being mirror images of one another.Each of the left and right front panels 21 and 22 is formed with acorresponding pair of left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21 aand 22 a, with first front-rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b, firstneckline portions 21 c and 22 c, zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d,and front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e.

The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a includesloping curved lines that are positioned such that the tops of theshoulders of the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 are not coveredby the left and right front panels 21 and 22. The first sleeve mountingportions 21 a and 22 a are configured with an almost S-shaped curvedcontour or serpentine contour that extends obliquely downward towardouter respective sides thereof, and after curving outward in a convexfashion, curves in a concave fashion.

The first front-rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b are located onrespective sides of the left and right front panel 21 and 22 extendingfrom and below the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a. Thefirst front-rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b are formed to be foldeddownward from the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a, andconfigured with a compound shape, having a curved portion and a straightportion.

The first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c extend inward from the firstsleeve mounting portions 21 a and 21 b and have a curved contour that isgenerally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 21 c and22 c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extendstoward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.

The zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d extend downward from theinside of the first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c. The zipper 32(FIG. 1) is mounted on the zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 dreleasably linking both the left and right front panels 21 and 22.

The front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e extend between the zippermounting portions 21 d and 22 d and respective first front-rear mountingportions 21 b and 22 b. The front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e areconfigured with curved edges that curve upward in a convex fashiontoward the center of the cycling jersey 10. Even if a rider slouches,rucks hardly appear on the cycling jersey 10.

The back panel 23, as shown in the top middle in FIG. 3, is providedwith a pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23 aand 23 b, a pair of the left and right second front-rear mountingportions 23 c and 23 d, a rear lower hem portion 23 e and a secondneckline portion 23 f.

The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b areeach formed with a sloping curved contour that are dimensioned to extendjust below the shoulders of the cyclist, such that the shoulders are notcompletely covered by the back panel 23. The left and right secondfront-rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d extend downward from the leftand right second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b, respectively,to rear lower hem portion 23 e. The left and right second front-rearmounting portions 23 c and 23 d are fixed by sutures to respective onesof the first front-rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b of the left andright front panels 21 and 22, and are also fixed by sutures to the sidemembers 26 and 27.

The rear lower hem portion 23 e of the back panel 23 extends between thebottom edges of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions23 c and 23 d. The second neckline portion 23 f is formed as aprojection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left andright second front-rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d.

The second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b are formed with acurving contour extending outward in a convex fashion, and goingobliquely downward toward the left and right second front-rear mountingportions 23 c and 23 d. The second front-rear mounting portions 23 c and23 d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concaved inward.The rear lower hem portion 23 e is configured with a curved contour thatswells circularly toward its center. Therefore, the back 23 is longerthan the left and right front panels 21 and 22. Even with the rider orcyclist C slouching or leaning forward, the cycling jersey 10 can coveran upper portion of pants worn by the cyclist. The second necklineportion 23 f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.

As shown in the lower left in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment the leftand right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are short sleeves that are symmetricalto one another (left and right hand mirror images of one another). Thesleeve panels 24 and 25 are dimensioned and located to cover theshoulders of the rider/cyclist C along with the left and right frontpanels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23.

The sleeve panels 24 and 25 basically include sleeve edges 24 a and 25a, first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b, second sleeve formingportions 24 c and 25 c, first suture portions 24 d and 25 d, secondsuture portions 24 e and 25 e, and sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f. Thefirst sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeveforming portions 24 c and 25 c bend and curve away from the sleeve edges24 a and 25 a and are coupled by suture with the bottom sleeve panels 28and 29 to form sleeves for the cycling jersey 10. The first sutureportions 24 d and 25 d are formed with V-shaped cutout portions 33 and34, cut from the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b. The firstsuture portions 24 d and 25 d are sutured to the first sleeve mountingportions 21 a and 22 a of the left and right front panels 21 and 22,respectively. The second suture portions 24 e and 25 e extend from thesecond sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c and are sutured in thesecond sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b at respective sides of theback panel 23. The sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f extend between thefirst suture portions 24 d and 25 d and the second suture portions 24 eand 25 e, respectively.

The sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a are configured with generally straightedges to form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The firstsleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeve formingportions 24 c and 25 c are slightly concaved, as shown in FIG. 3, andextend from opposite ends of respective sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a. Thefirst sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b are placed in front by thesecond sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c. The first sleeve formingportions 24 b and 25 b are shorter than the second sleeve formingportions 24 c and 25 c. The difference in length between the firstsleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeve formingportions 24 c and 25 c is due to the sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a beingpositioned toward the front of the cycling jersey 10 forming the frontedge of the sleeves.

The left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are generally mirror imagesof one another and are therefore functionally the same due to theirsymmetry. Therefore, description of one applies to both. FIG. 4 showsonly the right sleeve panel 25 in order to provide a descriptionthereof, and in particular, a description of the first suture portion 25d. Since the left sleeve panel 24 is symmetrical to but otherwise thesame as the right sleeve panel 25, the description of the first sutureportion 24 d is omitted for the sake brevity.

The first suture portion 25 d of the left sleeve panel 25 includes aV-shaped cut portion 34. The cut portion 34 includes a small curvingportion 34 a and a pair of large curving portions 34 b and 34 c thatextend from the small curving portion 34 a. The large curving portions34 b and 34 c diverge away from one another such that the space definedtherebetween becomes gradually wider from both edges of the smallcurving portion 34 a. The curvature radius R1 from the center O1 of thesmall curving portion 34 a is, for example, set in the range of 3 mm to20 mm, which is in the preferred range of 5 mm to 10 mm. In the depictedembodiment, the curvature radius R1 is 7 mm. The large curving portion34 b extends toward the first sleeve forming portion 25 b curving from afirst end of the small curving portion 34 a. The curvature radius R2from the center O2 of the large curving portion 34 b is set in the rangeof 200 mm to 600 mm, which is in the preferred range of 300 mm to 400mm. In the depicted embodiment, the curvatures radius R2 is 333 mm. Inaddition, the large curving portion 34 c extends toward the sleeve neckedge 25 f curving from the other end of the small curving portion 34 a.The curvature radius R3 from the center O3 of the large curving portion34 c is in the range of 200 mm to 600 mm, which is in the preferredrange of 300 mm to 400 mm. In the depicted embodiment the curvatureradius R3 is 333 mm. An angle α2 is defined by an intersection betweentangent lines of the large curving portions 34 b and 34 c. Specifically,a tangent line C2 of the radius R2 drawn from the center of the largecurving portion 34 b, and another tangent line C3 of the radius R3 drawnfrom the center of the large curving portion 34 c intersect to definethe angle α2. The angle α2 is preferably a small angle in the range ofbetween 20 degrees to 80 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the angleα2 is approximately 45 degrees.

With the V-shaped cut portion 34 formed with the angle α2 within thepreferred range, the sleeve panel 25 is cut and sized to join with otherpanels of the cycling jersey 10 such that the sleeve panel 25 extendsoutwardly to the side and forward from the right front panel 22, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the first sleeve formingportion 25 b of the sleeve panel 25 faces downward but extends forwardfrom the front panel 22. The sleeve neck edge 25 f of the sleeve panel25 faces upward extending along the neckline of the cycling jersey 10.The first sleeve forming portion 25 b and the sleeve neck edge 25 fextend away from one another about the small curving portion 34 a of thejersey 10. Hence, the sleeve portion 25 a does not face downward butrather faces upward and forward. The separate extending directions ofthe sleeve forming portion 25 b and the sleeve neck edge 25 f becomesmore apparent when the second angle α2 is reduced.

Referring again to FIG. 4 (and FIG. 1), a first angle α1 is definedbetween and first line L1 and a second line L2. The first line L1 isperpendicular bisector for the sleeve edge 25 a of the sleeve panel 25.More specifically, the first line L1 extends from a central of thesleeve edge 25 a and perpendicular to the sleeve edge 25 a. The secondline L2 extends from a point proximate the center of the sleeve neckedge 25 f in the direction corresponding to the peak of a cyclist'sshoulder when wearing the cycling jersey 10. The first angle α1 is setin the range of 30 to 90 degrees, which is in the preferred range of 30to 60 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, first angle α1 is set to 57degrees. When the first angle α1 exceeds 90 degrees, the cyclist Cwearing the cycling jersey 10 may have the feeling of tightness from thegarment. Further, when the first angle α1 is below 30 degrees, thesleeve panel 25 faces the side, rucks easily appear, and it becomes easyfor it to be stretched when a rider wears it. By making the first andsecond lines L1 and L2 cross in this first angle α1, the entire sleevepanel 25 faces the inward of a vertical line of the cloth, specificallythe front according to the crossing angle, and the sleeve portion 25 afaces the front.

The second suture portions 24 e and 25 e, as shown in FIG. 3, are formedwith a smooth curvature that is sutured in the second sleeve mountingportions 23 a and 23 b of the back panel 23. The seam line part of thesecond suture portions 24 e and 25 e and the second sleeve formingportions 24 c and 25 c intersect at a sharp angle.

The sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f are curved toward the first necklineportions 21 c and 22 c of the front panels 21 and 22 and the secondneckline portions 23 f of the back panel 23. The neck panel 30 issutured to couple to these portions of the panels.

The the left and right side members 26 and 27 are symmetrical to oneanother. The left and right side members 26 and 27 are formed with firstconnecting portions 26 a and 27 a, second connecting portions 26 b and27 b, first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c, side lower hem portions 26 fand 27 f and third sleeve mounting portions 26 e and 27 e. The firstconnecting portions 26 a and 27 a are sutured to the first front-rearmounting portions 21 b and 22 b of the front panels 21 and 22. Thesecond connecting portions 26 b and 27 b are placed facing the firstconnecting portions 26 a and 27 a and sutured to the second front-rearmounting portions 23 c and 23 d of the back panel 23. The first armholeportions 26 c and 27 c are placed at the top and concaved to becircular. The side lower hem portions 26 f and 27 f are placed at alower portion thereof, but are angled extending upward. The third sleevemounting portions 26 e and 27 e are shaped with a curved contourextending from the second connecting portions 26 b and 27 b andintersect the first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c at a sharp angle. Byforming the side members 26 and 27 with the above features, it is easyfor the cycling jersey 10 to fit a cyclist's body. Increases in airresistance by formation of rucks, wrinkles or folds is prevented andstretching of the front panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 is lesslikely since the cycling jersey 10 confirms to the riding posture of thecyclist. Further, the comfort of the cyclist C is improved by inclusionof these features.

The left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 are symmetrical mirrorimages of one another. The left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29are formed with bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a, third connectingportions 28 b and 29 b, fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c, secondarmhole portions 28 d and 29 d and third armhole portions 28 e and 29 e.

Each end of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a is sutured respectiveends of the sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a of the sleeve panels 24 and 25such that the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a form the bottom ofsleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The third connecting portions 28 b and29 b extend from the front of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 aalong the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b of the sleevepanels 24 and 25. The fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c extendfrom the back side of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a along thesecond sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c of the sleeve panels 24 and25. The second armhole portions 28 d and 29 d and the third armholeportions 28 e and 29 e extend between the third connecting portions 28 band 29 b and the fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c, respectivelyand have a convex shape.

The third connecting portions 28 b and 29 b are sutured to the firstsleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b. The fourth connecting portions 28c and 29 c are sutured to portions of the second sleeve forming portions24 c and 25 c except for the armhole side. The second armhole portions28 d and 29 d are sutured to the first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c ofthe side members 26 and 27. The third armhole portions 28 e and 29 e aresutured on the armhole side of the second sleeve forming portions 24 cand 25 c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. In addition, the edge part ofthe second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c are sutured to thethird sleeve mounting portions 26 e and 27 e of the side members 26 and27. By including the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29, it becomes easy forthe sleeve panels 24 and 25 to fit the upper arm, air resistance isreduced by a reduction or elimination of rucks, the sleeve panels 24 and25 are not likely to be stretched, and the comfort of the cyclist C isimproved.

In the cycling jersey 10 by the first embodiment of this invention witha configuration as described above, by forming the sleeve panels 24 and25 for the first line L1 and the second line L2 to with the preferredthe first angle α1, when the sleeve panels 24 and 25 are sutured to thefront panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23, the entire part facesinward of the vertical line of the cloth, specifically the frontaccording to the first angle α1, and the sleeve edge 25 a faces forward.Moreover, by optimizing the V-shaped cut portion 34 intersecting thesecond angle α2, and suturing it to the front panels 21 and 22, thefront sleeve panels 24 and 25 face further forward with respect to leftand right vertical lines of the jersey 10. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5,since the sleeve panels 24 and 25 face the front of the cycling jersey10, even if a cyclist C slouches while the cyclist C rides the bicycle50, and holds with both hands the handlebar such as the handlebar 51,and the forearms 53 go to the front of the cycling jersey 10, it remainsloose in the back and side of shoulders (does not stretch), and ruckshardly appear in the front and side of the shoulder. Therefore, thecomfort of the cycling jersey 10 is improved while the cyclist C holdsthe handlebar 51, and air resistance is also reduced.

As a result of the specific configuration of the V-shaped cut portion 34in the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25, the sleeves of thecycling jersey 10 extend forward from the torso T of the cyclist C, asindicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result, when the cyclist C assumes theriding posture shown in FIG. 5, the cyclist's torso T is generallyhorizontally inclined and the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extenddownward with the cyclist C holding on to the handlebars 51 of thebicycle 50.

The various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably made fromfabric that is able to stretch in a conventional manner. For example,the cycling jersey 10 is designed to fit comfortably onto a variety ofbodily shapes and sizes, within a certain size range. More specifically,the front panels 21 and 22, the back panel 23, the sleeve panels 24 and25, the side panels 26 and 27, the bottom sleeves panels 28 and 29, theneck panel 30 and the pocket 31 are all cut from a somewhat elasticfabric or materials that has a first level of elasticity that can beresiliently stretched such that the cycling jersey 10 returnsapproximately to its original size and shape. However, the cyclingjersey 10 is fitted with the non-stretching portions 12 having a secondlevel of elasticity. The non-stretching portions 12 are fabric panelspreferably made of a material that does not easily stretch, and morepreferably a material that does not stretch at all under cyclingconditions. Further, the first level of elasticity is elastic and thesecond level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.

There are two non-stretching portions 12 in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1. There is one non-stretching portion 12 on a right side of thecycling jersey 10 and one non-stretching portion 12 on a left side ofthe cycling jersey 10. The non-stretching portions 12 overlay respectiveportions of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. Further, the non-stretchingportions 12 are fixed to the sleeve panels 24 and 25 and extend in anupward direction from the front panels 21 and 22 toward the back panel23, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The non-stretching portions 12 extendfrom approximately the small curving portion 34 a of respective sleevepanels 24 and 25, over the shoulder covering areas 14 of the cyclingjersey 10 to the back panel 23. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thenon-stretching portions 12 extend to the back panel 23. However, itshould be understood that the non-stretching portions 12 can belengthened so that they extend over an upper portion of the back panel23.

As used herein to describe the present invention, the followingdirectional terms “forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical,horizontal, below and transverse” as well as any other similardirectional terms refer to those directions of a cyclist using thepresent invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thepresent invention should be interpreted relative to a cyclist and thecyclist's apparel that includes the present invention.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the parts of thesecond embodiment that are identical to the parts of the firstembodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of thefirst embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodimentthat differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicatedwith a single prime (′).

As shown in FIG. 7, a cycling jersey 10′ is depicted that is generallythe same as the cycling jersey 10′ except that a front panel 20′ isformed as a single piece of material or fabric. More specifically, thefront panel 20′ does not include a mechanical zipper, such as themechanical zipper 32 in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.Otherwise, all aspects of the cycling jersey 10′ are the same as thecycling jersey 10 depicted in FIG. 1. More specifically, the cyclingjersey 10′, in addition to the front panel 20′, also includesnon-stretching portions 12 that extend over at least a portion of thesleeve covering areas 14, the back panel 23, the sleeve panels 24 and25, the side panels 26 and 27, the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 andthe neck panel 30 as described in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identicalto the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The parts of the third embodiment that differ from the parts ofthe first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (′), or willbe provided with a new reference numeral.

Various aspects of a cycling jersey 110 in accordance with the thirdembodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. FIG.8 is a perspective view of the cycling jersey 110 and FIG. 9 is a basiclayout showing an example of cut out panels of fabric sutured orstitched together to form the cycling jersey 110. FIG. 9 shows each ofthe separate panels cutout from fabric prior to their being suturedtogether to form the cycling jersey 110. The panels of the cyclingjersey 110 can be cut from any of a variety of fabric or fabric-likematerials, such as a polyester material, that includes a meshconfiguration that is able to breathe or vent moisture. The panels ofthe cycling jersey 110 are preferably cut out using a pre-configuredpattern such that the panels shown in FIG. 9 are obtained. The panels ofthe cycling jersey 110 shown in FIG. 9 are laid out such that an outwardside of the cut material is shown. It should be recognized by one ofordinary skill in the art that the additional flaps of material aroundthe periphery of each panel of the cycling jersey 110 are used to jointhe various panels together. Further, the corresponding line spacedslightly apart from the periphery of each panel represents a sutureline, stitching line or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cyclingjersey 10 are preferably sewn together. More specifically, the linesspaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel representpreferred locations of seams between adjacent panels of the cyclingjersey 10.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cycling jersey 110 includes two non-stretchingportions 112, a front portion 120, a back panel 123, a pair ofsymmetrical sleeve panels 124 and 125, a pair of side panels 126 and 127and a neck panel 130. Further, the cycling jersey 110 can optionallyinclude a pocket (not shown) attached to the back panel 123.

The front portion 120 is split into two smaller panels, a left frontpanel 121 and a right front panel 122 that are symmetrically shapedbeing mirror images of one another thereby forming the front portion120. Each of the left and right front panels 121 and 122 is formed witha corresponding pair of left and right first sleeve mounting portions121 a and 122 a, first front-rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b,first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c, zipper mounting portions 121 dand 122 d, and front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e.

The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 ainclude sloping curved lines that are positioned such that the tops ofthe shoulders of the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 arepartially covered by the left and right front panels 121 and 122. Thefirst sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a are configured with analmost S-shaped curved contour or serpentine contour that extendsobliquely downward toward outer respective sides thereof, and aftercurving outward in a convex fashion, curves in a concave fashion fromupper end to lower end.

The first front-rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b are located onrespective sides of the left and right front panel 121 and 122 extendingfrom and below the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a. Thefirst front-rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b extend downward fromthe first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a, and configured witha compound shape, having a curved portion and a straight portion.

The first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c extend inward from the firstsleeve mounting portions 121 a and 121 b and have a curved contour thatis generally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 121 cand 122 c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extendstoward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.

The zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 d extend downward from theinside of the first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c. The zipper 132(FIG. 8) is mounted on the zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 dreleasably linking both the left and right front panels 121 and 122.

The front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e extend between the zippermounting portions 121 d and 122 d and respective first front-rearmounting portions 121 b and 122 b. The front lower hem portions 121 eand 122 e are configured with slightly curved edges that curve upward ina convex fashion toward the center of the cycling jersey 10.

The back panel 123, as shown in the top middle in FIG. 9, is providedwith a pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123 aand 123 b, a pair of the left and right second front-rear mountingportions 123 c and 123 d, a rear lower hem portion 123 e and a secondneckline portion 123 f.

The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b areeach formed with a sloping curved contour that are dimensioned to extendjust below the shoulders of the cyclist, such that shoulder coveringareas 14′ (FIGS. 8 and 10) are not completely covered by the back panel123. The left and right second front-rear mounting portions 123 c and123 d extend downward from the left and right second sleeve mountingportions 123 a and 123 b, respectively, to rear lower hem portion 123 e.The left and right second front-rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 dare fixed by sutures to respective ones of the first front-rear mountingportions 121 b and 122 b of the left and right front panels 121 and 122,and are also fixed by sutures to the side panels 126 and 127.

The rear lower hem portion 123 e of the back panel 123 extends betweenthe bottom edges of the left and right second front-rear mountingportions 123 c and 123 d. The second neckline portion 123 f is formed asa projection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left andright second front-rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d.

The second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b are formed with acurving contour extending outward in a convex fashion, and goingobliquely downward toward the left and right second front-rear mountingportions 123 c and 123 d. The second front-rear mounting portions 123 cand 123 d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concavedinward. The rear lower hem portion 123 e is configured with a curvedcontour that swells circularly downward from a central portion thereof.Therefore, the back panel 123 is longer than the left and right frontpanels 121 and 122. Even with the rider or cyclist C slouching orleaning forward, the cycling jersey 110 can cover an upper portion ofpants worn by the cyclist. The second neckline portion 123 f projectsupward and has a concave circular contour.

As shown in the lower left in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the left and rightsleeve panels 124 and 125 are short sleeves that are symmetrical to oneanother (left and right hand mirror images of one another). The sleevepanels 124 and 125 are dimensioned to at least partially define theshoulder covering areas 14′ of the cycling jersey 110. Specifically, thesleeve panels 124 and 125 at least partially cover shoulders of thecyclist C along with the left and right front panels 121 and 122 and theback panel 23.

The sleeve panels 124 and 125 basically include sleeve edges 124 a and125 a, first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b, second sleeveforming portions 124 c and 125 c, back connecting suture portions 124 dand 125 d, and front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e.

The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and the second sleeveforming portions 124 c and 125 c extend and curve away from the sleeveedges 124 a and 125 a. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 band the second sleeve forming portions together with portions of thepair of side panels 126 and 127 form sleeves for the cycling jersey 110,as is described in greater detail below.

The back connecting suture portions 124 d and 125 d extend from thesecond sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c and are sutured to thesecond sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b at respective sides ofthe back panel 123. The front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 eextend between the first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and theback connecting suture portions 124 d and 125 d, respectively.

The sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a are configured with generally straightedges to partially form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey110. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and the secondsleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c are slightly concaved, as shownin FIG. 8 and extend from opposite ends of respective sleeve edges 124 aand 125 a. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b are shorterthan the second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c.

The front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e are curved toconform to the sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 b of the frontpanels 121 and 122.

The left and right side members 126 and 127 are symmetrical to oneanother. The left and right side members 126 and 127 are formed withfirst connecting portions 126 a and 127 a, second connecting portions126 b and 127 b, third sleeve bottom portions 126 c and 127 c, fourthsleeve bottom portions 126 d and 127 d, bottom sleeve edges 126 e and127 e and side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 f.

The first connecting portions 126 a and 127 a are sutured to the firstfront-rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b of the front panels 121 and122. The second connecting portions 126 b and 127 b are sutured to thesecond front-rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d of the back panel123. The third sleeve bottom portions 126 c and 127 c are sutured torespective first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b of the sleevepanels 124 and 125. The fourth sleeve bottom portions 126 d and 127 dare sutured to respective second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 cof the sleeve panels 124 and 125, thereby forming sleeves of the cyclingjersey 110. The bottom sleeve edges 126 e and 127 e along with thesleeve edges 124 a and 125 a of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 form asleeve edge or cuff of the cycling jersey 110.

The side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 f along with the front lowerhem portions 121 e and 122 e of the front panels 121 and 122 and therear lower hem portion 123 e of the back panel 123 forms a lower hem ofthe cycling jersey 110.

The various panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably made fromfabric that is able to stretch in a conventional manner. For example,the cycling jersey 110 is designed to fit comfortably onto a variety ofbodily shapes and sizes, within a certain size range. More specifically,the front panels 121 and 122, the back panel 123, the sleeve panels 124and 125, the side panels 126 and 127, the neck panel 130 and the pocket(not shown) are all cut from a somewhat elastic fabric or materials thathas a first level of elasticity that can be resiliently stretched suchthat the cycling jersey 110 returns approximately to its original sizeand shape.

The cycling jersey 110 is formed with the non-stretching portions 112having a second level of elasticity. In the third embodiment, thenon-stretching portions 112 includes stitching between the frontconnecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and125 and the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the frontpanels 121 and 122. In other words, the non-stretching portions 112 arethe stitching in the seam between portions of the sleeve panels 124 and125 and the front panels 121 and 122. As such, the non-stretchingportions 112 are connected to respective ones of the front panels 121and 122 and respective ones of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. Morespecifically, there is one non-stretching portion 112 on the right sideof the cycling jersey 110 located between a portion of the front panel121 and a portion of the sleeve panel 124. Similarly, there is a secondnon-stretching portion 112 on the left side of the cycling jersey 110located between a portion of the front panel 122 and a portion of thesleeve panel 125, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10.

The stitching of the non-stretching portions 112 can be any of a varietyof stitching patterns or stitching material that restricts or preventsstretching of the non-stretching portions 112. Preferably stitching ofthe non-stretching portions 112 does not easily stretch, and morepreferably does not stretch at all under cycling conditions. Further,the first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level ofelasticity is generally non-elastic.

As indicated in FIG. 8, the non-stretching portions 112 do notnecessarily need to extend the entire length of the seam betweenrespective ones of the front panels 121 and 122 and respective ones ofthe sleeve panels 124 and 125. As shown in FIG. 8, the non-stretchingportions 112 extends from at least the top of the shoulder coveringareas 14′ of the cycling jersey 110 (from the back panel 123) toapproximately a mid-point in the seam between the front connectingsuture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 andfirst sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the front panels 121and 122. The non-stretching portions 112 are not limited to the lengthdepicted. Depending upon the fabric used and the desired cycling jerseyrequirements, the non-stretching portions 112 can be longer or shorterthan shown in FIG. 8. The remainder of the seams between the frontpanels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125 have stitching thatis more flexible and stretchable in accordance with stitching or suturesin the other seams between the various panels of the cycling jersey 110.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for thesake of brevity. The parts of the fourth embodiment that differ from theparts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime(′), or will be provided with a new reference numeral.

The fourth embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. In the fourthembodiment, a cycling jersey 110′ is depicted that includes the backpanel 123, sleeve panels 124 and 125, side panels 126 and 127 and neckpanel 130 as described above with respect to the third embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. However, in the fourth embodiment, thefront panel 120′ is a single piece of fabric and has no mechanicalzipper.

The front panel 120′ includes a left and right sleeve mounting portions121 a′ and 122 a′, first front-rear mounting portions 121 b′ and 122 b′,neckline portion 121 c′ and front lower hem portion 121 e′. The variousportions of the front panel 120′ serve similar functions as in the thirdembodiment. For instance, the left and right sleeve mounting portions121 a′ and 122 a′ are sutured or stitched to respective ones of thefront connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels124 and 124. The first front-rear mounting portions 121 b′ and 122 b′are sutured or stitched to respective ones of the first connectingportions 126 a and 127 a of the side panels 126 and 127. The necklineportion 121 c′ is sutured to the neck panel 130. The front lower hemportion 121 e′ along with the side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 fand the rear lower hem portion 123 e of the back panel 123 form a lowerhem of the cycling jersey 110′.

Otherwise, the cycling jersey 110′ has generally the same features asthe third embodiment, including the non-stretching portions 112 formedbetween portions of the front panel 120′ and the sleeve panels 124 and125.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the fifth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identicalto the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The parts of the fifth embodiment that differ from the parts ofthe earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), orwill be provided with a new reference numeral.

A cycling jersey 210 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 that very similar tothe cycling jersey 110 of the third embodiment. For example, the cyclingjersey 210 includes the front portion 120 (front panels 121 and 122),the back panel 123, the sleeve panels 124 and 125, the side panels 126and 127 and the neck panel 130 as described above with respect to thethird embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. However, in the fifthembodiment the non-stretching portions are non-stretching panels 212.Each non-stretching panel 212 includes a first side 212 a and a secondside 212 b. The first side 212 a defines a first stitching portion andthe second side 212 b defines a second stitching portion, as shown inFIG. 13.

The first side 212 a of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed orsutured to respective front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 eof the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The second side 212 b of thenon-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective sleevemounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the front panels 121 and 122.

In the fifth embodiment the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleevepanels 124 and 125 can be slightly alerted or resized to accommodate thepanels of the non-stretching panels 212, but such alterations are notnecessarily required.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the sixth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identicalto the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The parts of the sixth embodiment that differ from the parts ofthe earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), orwill be provided with a new reference numeral.

As should be understood from the description and the drawings, thedepiction of a cycling jersey 210′ of sixth embodiment is identical todepiction of the cycling jersey 210 of the fifth embodiment. Therefore,the sixth embodiment is also described with specific reference to FIGS.13 and 14. In the sixth embodiment, non-stretching panels 212′ are notinserted into the seams between the front panels 121 and 122 and thesleeve panels 124 and 125. Rather, the non-stretching panels 212′overlay a portion of the seam between the front panels 121 and 122 andthe sleeve panels 124 and 125. Further, the non-stretching panels 212′also overlay at least one or the other of a portion of the front panels121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125. At the very least, thenon-stretching panels 212′ are sutured to the respective portions of thefront panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125.

Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the seventh embodimentthat are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be giventhe same reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment.Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the seventh embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted forthe sake of brevity. The parts of the seventh embodiment that differfrom the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with asingle prime (′), a double prime (″) or will be provided with a newreference numeral.

As shown in FIG. 15, a cycling jersey 210″ is shown that includes thenon-stretching panels 212 as set forth in the fifth embodiment describedabove. However, a front panel 120′ of the cycling jersey 210″ is formedfrom a single piece of fabric and is therefore without a mechanicalzipper. All other panels of the cycling jersey 210″ are otherwise thesame as in the fifth embodiment.

Further, the non-stretching panels 212 are the same as in the fifthembodiment. Specifically, the first side 212 a of the non-stretchingpanels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective front connecting sutureportions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The secondside 212 b of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured torespective sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the front panels121 and 122.

Eighth Embodiment

An eighth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the various embodiments, the parts of the eighth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the seventh embodiments will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the seventh embodiment.Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the eighth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the seventh embodiment may be omitted forthe sake of brevity. The parts of the eighth embodiment that differ fromthe parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a singleprime (′), a double prime (″), a triple prime (′″) or will be providedwith a new reference numeral.

As should be understood from the description and the drawings, thedepiction of a cycling jersey 210′″ of eighth embodiment is identical todepiction of the cycling jersey 210″of the seventh embodiment.Therefore, the eighth embodiment is also described with specificreference to FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 12, a cycling jersey 210′″ is shown that includes thenon-stretching panels 212′ as set forth in the sixth embodimentdescribed above and the front panel 120′ of the seventh embodiment,formed from a single piece of fabric without a mechanical zipper. Allother panels of the cycling jersey 210′″ are otherwise the same as inthe seventh embodiment except that the non-stretching panels 212′ arenot inserted into the seams between the front panel 120′ and the sleevepanels 124 and 125. Rather, the non-stretching panels 212′ overlay aportion of the respective seams between the front panel 120 and thesleeve panels 124 and 125 and are sutured to the respective portions ofthe front panel 120 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125.

In an alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys can be used foractivities other than cycling.

In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys can be adaptedfor use with attached pants. Specifically, a one piece article ofclothing or apparel can be constructed that includes a pants portion anda jersey portion sutured together, with the one piece article ofclothing having the design considerations and configuration of thesleeve panels as described above incorporated therein.

In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys described abovecan be constructed with long sleeves instead of short sleeves.

In yet another embodiment, the back panel 23 (123) can have a shorterprofile in that in can alternatively rise up to a level that is fartherspaced apart from the shoulder covering areas 14 (14′) of the variousembodiments described above. Consequently, the non-stretching portions12, 112, 212 and 212′ can be slightly longer than in the depictedembodiments.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “member” or “element” when used in thesingular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality ofparts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of atleast ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate themeaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A cycling jersey comprising: a front panel; a back panel coupled toportions of the front panel; a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels coupledto respective portions of the front panel and the back panel, eachsleeve panel defining at least a portion of a shoulder covering area ofthe cycling jersey; and a pair of non-stretching portions, onenon-stretching portion for a right side of the cycling jersey and onenon-stretching portion for a left side of the cycling jersey, thenon-stretching portions being fixed to at least the sleeve panels, thenon-stretching portions extending in a direction generally from thefront panel toward the back panel and extending at least partially overthe shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey; wherein the frontpanel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respectivematerials having a first level of elasticity, the non-stretchingportions having a second level of elasticity, the first level ofelasticity being elastic and the second level of elasticity beinggenerally non-elastic.
 2. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 1,wherein the non-stretching portions comprise respective stitching seamsthat fix respective portions of the sleeve panels to the respectiveportions of the front panel.
 3. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim1, wherein the non-stretching portions comprise respectivenon-stretching panels fixed to and overlaying portions of respective ofones of the sleeve panels.
 4. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim1, wherein the non-stretching portions comprise respectivenon-stretching panels having first and second sides, a first side of thenon-stretching panels being fixed to respective portions of the sleevepanels and the second side of the non-stretching panels being fixed tothe respective portions of the front panel.
 5. The cycling jersey as setforth in claim 1, wherein the front panel is formed with respectivefirst sleeve mounting portions and first front-rear mounting portions,each of the first sleeve mounting portions having curved edges, and thefirst front-rear mounting portions extend downward from respective firstsleeve mounting portions; the back panel is formed with left and rightsecond sleeve mounting portions and left and right second front-rearmounting portions, the second sleeve mounting portions each havingsloping curved edges, and the second front-rear mounting portions eachextend downward from respective ones of the second sleeve mountingportions and are coupled to respective ones of the first front-rearmounting portions of the front panel; and the sleeve panels further eachinclude a sleeve edge portion, first and second sleeve forming portions,a first stitching portion and a second stitching portion, the first andsecond sleeve forming portions coupled to each other to at leastpartially define a sleeve of the bicycle jersey, the first stitchingportion being located between the first forming sleeve portion and thesecond stitching portion, the first stitching portion of each of thesleeve panels being coupled to respective first sleeve mounting portionsof the front panel, the second stitching portion of each of the sleevepanels extending from the second sleeve forming portion and beingstitched to respective second sleeve mounting portions of the backpanel.
 6. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 5, wherein thenon-stretching portions comprise stitching seams that couple respectiveones of the first stitching portion of each of the sleeve panels torespective ones of the first sleeve mounting portions of the frontpanel.
 7. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 5, wherein thenon-stretching portions comprise non-stretching panels, eachnon-stretching panel having first and second stitching portions, thefirst stitching portion of the non-stretching panel being fixed to thefirst stitching portion a respective one of the sleeve panels, and thesecond stitching portion of the non-stretching panel being fixed to thefirst sleeve mounting portion of the front panel.
 8. The cycling jerseyas set forth in claim 5, wherein the non-stretching portions comprisenon-stretching panels fixed to and overlaying respective portions of thesleeve panels.
 9. The cycling jersey according to claim 6, furthercomprising: a pair of side panels, each panel having a back panelattachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, respective backpanel attachment portions of the side panels being connected torespective second front-rear mounting portions of the back panel, andrespective front panel attachment portions being connected to respectivefirst front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, the side panelscoupling the back panel to the front panel.
 10. The cycling jerseyaccording to claim 9, wherein each of the side panels further includessleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions of the sidepanels being connected to respective first and second sleeve formingportions of the sleeve panels.
 11. The cycling jersey according to claim7, further comprising: a pair of side panels, each panel having a backpanel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion,respective back panel attachment portions of the side panels beingconnected to respective second front-rear mounting portions of the backpanel, and respective front panel attachment portions being connected torespective first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, theside panels coupling the back panel to the front panel.
 12. The cyclingjersey according to claim 11, wherein each of the side panels furtherincludes sleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions ofthe side panels being connected to respective first and second sleeveforming portions of the sleeve panels.
 13. The cycling jersey accordingto claim 8, further comprising: a pair of side panels, each panel havinga back panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion,respective back panel attachment portions of the side panels beingconnected to respective second front-rear mounting portions of the backpanel, and respective front panel attachment portions being connected torespective first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, theside panels coupling the back panel to the front panel.
 14. The cyclingjersey according to claim 13, wherein each of the side panels furtherincludes sleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions ofthe side panels being connected to respective first and second sleeveforming portions of the sleeve panels.